Message Minute (Eager Anticipation)

"Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Corinthians 1:7

Here's an uncomfortable question: How much time this week have you spent thinking about Christ's return? We spend weeks every year preparing for Christmas, reminding ourselves that Jesus came as a baby in a manger. But how much time do we spend reminding ourselves of His return?

Scripture assumes that every serious follower of Jesus is thinking about His second coming regularly. The early Christians rearranged their hopes, expectations, and understanding of life around Christ's return. Paul assumed believers were "eagerly awaiting it." Jesus told His disciples to be ready and waiting like servants prepared to open the door the moment their master arrives.

Why don't we live this way? Partly because thinking about Christ's return feels disruptive to current plans. But also because we have a warped view of what it will be like, all vague clouds and harps. But when you understand the Biblical promise of a renewed Earth with resurrected bodies, everything changes.

Jesus is utterly fixated on His return. That's what has His attention. That's what brings Him joy. And He invites us to be about it as well. Not with fear or escapism, but with eager anticipation—knowing that the best is yet to come and bringing that future hope into the present.

The life you've always wanted is the life you're going to get. Time to start living in light of that reality.

Reflection: What would change in your daily perspective if you woke up each morning eager for Christ's return and the renewal of all things?

Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for forgetting to anticipate Your return. Give me eyes to see the hope of Your coming Kingdom. Help me live today with eager expectation, knowing the best is yet to come. Come quickly, Lord. Amen.